Crime
Who Was Wess Roley? Suspect Identified in Deadly Idaho Wildfire Ambush
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Authorities have identified Wess Roley as the gunman responsible for Sunday’s horrifying ambush on Canfield Mountain that left two firefighters dead and a third critically injured.
According to law enforcement, Roley deliberately set a wildfire and then opened fire on responding fire crews, luring them into a deadly trap.
Roley, whose body was discovered Sunday evening near a firearm, was found in the rugged terrain of Canfield Mountain outside Coeur d’Alene. A law enforcement official confirmed his identity to Channel2 NOW on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
The incident began around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday when emergency calls were made reporting a brush fire in the heavily wooded hills of Canfield Mountain.
As first responders from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue arrived to assess and contain the fire, gunfire erupted.
Two firefighters were struck and killed during the initial ambush.
A third firefighter was also shot and transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He later underwent emergency surgery and is now reported to be in stable condition.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said during a press briefing that the attack was a premeditated ambush, likely carried out using a high-powered rifle.
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Norris stated.
Scanner traffic from the chaotic scene captured the fear and urgency as firefighters came under attack:
“Send law enforcement right now! There’s an active shooter zone… everybody’s shot up here!” one firefighter called out over the radio. He also warned others: “Stop. Do not come up here.”
Another firefighter could be heard suggesting that the fire had been intentionally set to draw them in:
“It’s clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in.”
As the situation escalated, Sheriff Norris authorized law enforcement to engage with deadly force.
By 4:30 p.m., he had deployed two helicopters carrying snipers, with instructions to neutralize the shooter if an opportunity presented itself.
“I was hoping someone would have a clear shot and be able to neutralize the threat,” Norris said. “There was no indication the suspect planned to surrender.”
Roley was found deceased shortly after, although it remains unclear whether he was shot by law enforcement or died by suicide.
Sheriff Norris later confirmed that based on ballistic trajectory and the weapons recovered, investigators believe Roley acted alone.
While Roley’s motive is still under investigation, authorities suspect he intentionally ignited the fire to ambush emergency responders. Sheriff Norris stated that further evidence, including additional weapons, may be recovered from the scene.
As the wildfire continued to spread to more than 20 acres, fire crews were pulled back due to ongoing gunfire.
Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley confirmed that no further fire personnel would be deployed until the threat had been fully eliminated.
On Sunday evening, the bodies of the two fallen firefighters were transported from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington, in a solemn multi-agency procession.
Fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles escorted them along the highway, while locals lined overpasses waving flags and offering salutes in a poignant tribute.
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the incident a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters”, adding that he and his wife were “heartbroken” by the tragedy.
“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” the governor posted on X.
Other state and federal officials also weighed in:
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated her office was closely monitoring the situation, promising: “Justice will be served.”
- FBI tactical and technical teams responded to the scene to assist local law enforcement.
- The Idaho House Republican Leadership issued a statement: “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families, and their colleagues.”
Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area just outside Coeur d’Alene, became a war zone on Sunday. Its thick vegetation and complex trail system presented both tactical challenges and vulnerabilities for those responding to the emergency.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to learn more about Roley’s background, motivations, and whether he had any known grievances or warning signs prior to the ambush.
This is a developing story, and further details will be released as they become available.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.